French Museums and Insurers Forge Preventive Security Partnerships
According to Véronique Pierron in Le Journal des Arts on 1 October 2026, insurers in France are now involved early in the design of exhibitions and buildings. Daphné de Marolles from AXA XL presents a structured analysis framework for security protocols. Aurélia Farkoa of Morel & Cie stresses the importance of expert guidance for jewellery displays. Marion Habay at Helvetia highlights that insurers provide advice from the beginning of projects, including a €6.5 million expansion for the Fondation Maeght in 2024. Stéphanie de Montricher from QBE points out varying urgency in recommendations, particularly for high-value loans. Anne-Sophie de Gasquet recalls a burglary at Cognacq-Jay in 2024, while Maud Siron acknowledges that achieving 100% security is impossible. The Louvre's methods have shaped security views but have not reduced costs for smaller institutions.
Key facts
- Insurers now intervene from the design stage of exhibitions and museum buildings, according to Le Journal des Arts on 1 October 2026.
- AXA XL's Daphné de Marolles describes systematic analysis of display conditions, public access, prevention systems and emergency procedures including artwork evacuation.
- The Fondation Maeght's 2024 extension cost €6.5 million and included recruitment, a new protocol, a rear firefighter passage and a fire-water tank.
- Helvetia's Marion Habay says insurers previously discovered venues alongside first visitors; her team followed a foundation's extension from the first stone.
- Four burglars entered Cognacq-Jay by scooter in 2024 through a courtyard door to steal gold, enamel and precious-stone snuffboxes; the door is now closed.
- The Musée du Hiéron was robbed in November 2024 despite three Missa audits followed to the letter, says director Maud Siron.
- Stéphanie de Montricher of QBE says reinforced requirements can apply to high-value loans and major exhibitions.
- Daphné de Marolles warns a camera never replaces a trained team, established procedures and a genuine risk culture.
Entities
Artists
- Véronique Pierron
- Daphné de Marolles
- Aurélia Farkoa
- Marion Habay
- Frédéric Hubin
- Stéphanie de Montricher
- Anne-Sophie de Gasquet
- Maud Siron
- Nicolas Kaddèche
- Marion Krauze
- Olympe Lemut
- Olivier Tosseri
- Anaïs Bertrand
Institutions
- Le Journal des Arts
- AXA XL
- Morel & Cie
- Helvetia
- Fondation Maeght
- QBE
- Paris Musées
- Musée Cognacq-Jay
- Musée du Louvre
- Musée du Hiéron
- Missa
- Hiscox
- Musée Nacéo
- Les Invalides
- Thermes de Trajan
- Sagrada Família
Locations
- France
- Paris
- Sables-d'Olonne
- Rome
- Italy
- Barcelona
- Spain